in pole position

1. In auto racing, in the starting position on the inside in the front row, which is considered the most favorable. The term originated in horse racing. He started in pole position but fell behind by the third lap. Yeah, it's nice to start in pole position, but it's not about how you start a race—it's about how you finish. Which racer will be starting in pole position?

2. By extension, in an exceptionally strong, advantageous, or competitive position. Used especially in reference to sports. Primarily heard in UK. Barcelona finds themselves in pole position after a last-minute victory puts them at the top of the league. It looks like Danielson is in pole position for presidency of the central bank. She is in pole position to win the scholarship, thanks to all of her extracurricular activities.

in pole position

mainly BRITISH

If you are in pole position, you are in a very strong position in a competition or competitive situation, and are likely to win or be successful. As the European market leader we are in pole position to exploit this market. The chancellor is fighting hard to remain in pole position to take over from the prime minister. Note: This expression comes from motor racing, where the driver who starts the race in front of all the other drivers is said to start `in pole position'.

in pole position

in an advantageous position.

In motor racing, pole position is the position on the front row of the starting grid which will allow the driver to take the first bend on the inside. The phrase originated in the 19th century as a horse-racing term, referring to the starting position nearest the inside boundary rails.